A new study found that those who drink a fair amount of sweetened sodas and fruit drinks – whether diet or regular – have an increased risk of depression. Java-drinkers, on the other hand, have a slightly lower risk of the blues.

The study was presented at the American Academy of Neurology's annual meeting in San Diego this week.

Previous studies have found that drinking sweetened beverages was associated with a higher prevalence of depression, suicidal thoughts and other mental distress. But this study was the first prospective study, meaning it followed people over a number of years.

From 1995 to 1996, consumption of drinks such as soda, tea, fruit punch and coffee was evaluated in 263,925 adults. About 10 years later, researchers asked the participants whether they had been diagnosed with depression since the year 2000. A total of 11,311 people said yes.

Here’s what they found:

• People who drank more than four cans or cups of soda per day were 30 percent more likely to develop depression than those who drank no soda.

• Those who drank four cans of fruit punch per day were about 38 percent more likely to develop depression than those who did not drink sweetened drinks.

• The risk of depression was greater for those who drank diet soda rather than regular soda, diet fruit drinks instead of sugar-sweetened fruit drinks and diet rather than regular iced tea.

The researchers acknowledge the study does not prove a cause and effect. In other words, it could be that people who are depressed tend to drink more soda.

“However, consumption of sweetened beverages has been linked to several adverse health outcomes,” said study author Dr. Honglei Chen, an investigator in the epidemiology branch with the National Institutes of Environmental Health Sciences.

Maybe its more of the health or self image of those who are drinking a lot of sodas that is causing the depression. If you have that many, you can't be in the best of shape and health... And the part about those who drink Diet drinks are more likely also helps aid my opinion. They are drinking diet because they already are somewhat aware of their body.

These chicken-egg studies always baffle me. It can easily be said that studies show 30% of people with depression also like to drink a fair amount of soft-drinks. I'm not saying soft-drinks can't cause depression, I'm saying you can't tell if depressed people like soft-drinks or soft-drinks cause depressed people....

Personally I drink coke zero quite a bit, probably 5 glasses a week or so and I feel fine!

These chicken-egg studies always baffle me. It can easily be said that studies show 30% of people with depression also like to drink a fair amount of soft-drinks. I'm not saying soft-drinks can't cause depression, I'm saying you can't tell if depressed people like soft-drinks or soft-drinks cause depressed people....

Personally I drink coke zero quite a bit, probably 5 glasses a week or so and I feel fine!

Couple of problems. They are talking about people who drink 4 cups/cans a day, not a week. and they admit the cause and effect issue:

The researchers acknowledge the study does not prove a cause and effect. In other words, it could be that people who are depressed tend to drink more soda.